I always have fun posting on this thread. I know a fair amount that may be useful for others, I can look up in books for details, and I forget for a while all the crap happening.... This herb, Jatamansi has so many uses, when I get down to one pound I order a few more. It is hard to find so, if anyone is interested in getting some, let me know and I will post where I get it. I use it primarily in herb blends for insomnia, heart and circulation problems and herbs for the mind.
Jatamansi Nardostachys jatamansi
Tissues: plasma, blood, muscle, nerve and marrow
Systems: nervous, circulatory, urinary, digestive, respiratory
Properties: nervine, relaxant, antispasmodic, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, alterative, bitter tonic, diuretic, anticonvulsant
Uses: anxiety, depression, spasms, convulsions, epilepsy, hypertension AND hypotension, palpitations, arrhythmia, poor appetite, motion sickness, jetlag, hepatitis, thrombophlebitis, memory loss, hysteria, PMS, insomnia
Dose: 3-9 grams per day (1 to 3 teaspoons)
Jatamansi is one of my very favorite herbs as it is extremely powerful and helps many different conditions. It revujenates the nervous system that is similar in calming qualities to Valerian, which it is related to, but without creating any dullness of body or mind. It assists the functioning of the mind, nerves, muscles, heart, liver and GI tract. It is especially effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression, restlessness, spasms and tremors, convulsions and epilepsy.
It helps to cool and pacify the mind while at the same time improving focus, concentration and memory, enhancing awareness in generall. It is one of the best herbs for hyperactivity and difficulty in focusing so is good for attention deficit problems, especially in combination with other herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shankpushpi, Gingko, Bacopa and Calamus (Vacha).
It helps the functioning of the heart muscles, is a mild vasodilator and can help balance blood pressure whether too high or too low. It works on the prana vayu vital breath which directly helps the heart and thus helps with blood circulation. It is used for arrhythmia,and heart palpitations, especially when used with Ashwaganda.
Due to Jatamansi’s antispasmodic action, it can relieve premenstrual tension and generalized nerve and muscle tension, tightness and pain. It is known also to help with various menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and general aches and pains, especially when used with Shatavari. It also can be used for treating liver problems such as hepatitis, especially when used with other herbs specifically targeting the liver such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Kutki, Guduchi, Neem and Shankpushpi.
You might want to read about the last 3 or so herbs I’ve posted about.